8 Basketball Players who Played for Timberwolves and Celtics
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Timberwolves and the Celtics.
Kevin Garnett
Kevin Garnett is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of his generation. Garnett was selected straight out of high school as the 5th overall pick by the Timberwolves in the 1995 NBA Draft. He spent the majority of his career in Minnesota, where he earned NBA MVP honors in 2004.
In 2007, Garnett was traded to the Boston Celtics, forming a “Big Three” alongside Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. This trio led the Celtics to an NBA championship in 2008, with Garnett playing a pivotal role. Following his time in Boston, Garnett had a brief stint with the Nets before returning to Minnesota to finish his career.
Garnett’s impact went beyond his on-court achievements. His leadership, fiery demeanor, and commitment to the game influenced a generation of players. In 2020, Garnett’s contributions to the sport were solidified when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Garnett Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Timberwolves, Celtics, Nets)
- NBA MVP (Timberwolves)
- All-NBA (Timberwolves, Celtics)
- All-Star (Timberwolves, Celtics)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Timberwolves)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Timberwolves)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Timberwolves)
Antoine Walker
Antoine Walker was selected with the 6th pick in the 1996 NBA draft by the Celtics. Walker spent seven seasons with the team, during which he made three All-Star appearances.
He was a versatile and dynamic power forward, averaging over 20 points per game in five of his seasons with the Celtics. His ability to stretch the floor was ahead of its time in an era when most power forwards primarily played inside.
Walker was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 2003 and subsequently played for the Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves. One of Walker’s career highlights was winning an NBA Championship with the Miami Heat in 2006.
Walker Key Stats
- All-Star (Celtics)
- NBA Championship (Heat)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Celtics)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Celtics)
Wally Szczerbiak
Standing at 6’7″, Szczerbiak played as a forward and was regarded for his scoring ability, basketball IQ, and sharpshooting from beyond the arc.
Szczerbiak was selected 6th overall by the Timberwolves in the 1999 NBA Draft. During his time with the Timberwolves, he emerged as a significant offensive weapon alongside Kevin Garnett, culminating in an All-Star selection in 2002.
In addition to the Timberwolves, Szczerbiak had stints with the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Over his career, he averaged 14.1 points per game, 4.0 rebounds, and shot an impressive 40.6% from three-point range.
Al Jefferson
Al Jefferson was drafted straight out of high school as the 15th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. He played three seasons in Boston before being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a package deal for Kevin Garnett in the 2007 offseason.
In Minnesota, he had some of his best years, averaging over 20 points per game in multiple seasons. In 2010, Jefferson was traded to the Utah Jazz, where he continued to be a reliable offensive threat.
After three seasons in Utah, he signed as a free agent with the Charlotte Hornets (known as the Charlotte Bobcats in his first season with the team) in 2013. His first season with the Hornets was a standout, with Jefferson earning All-NBA Third Team honors.
Jefferson Key Stats
- All-NBA (Hornets)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Timberwolves, Hornets)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Celtics, Timberwolves, Hornets)
Sam Cassell
Sam Cassell enjoyed a successful 15-season career in the NBA, known for his clutch shooting and leadership. Drafted 24th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 1993 NBA Draft, Cassell proved instrumental in the Rockets’ back-to-back NBA Championships in 1994 and 1995.
His tenure in the NBA saw him wearing jerseys for eight different teams, including standout stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Despite being traded multiple times, Cassell consistently produced on the court, averaging 15.7 points and 6.0 assists per game over his career. He was named an All-Star once, in 2003-04, while with the Timberwolves.
Cassell Key Stats
- All-Star (Timberwolves)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Nets, Bucks, Clippers)
Jeff Teague
Jeff Teague, an NBA veteran with a career span of over a decade, was selected 19th overall in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. Known for his quickness and playmaking ability, Teague quickly rose to prominence as the Hawks’ starting point guard.
Perhaps his best season in Atlanta (and possibly career) was in 2014-2015 when he averaged 15.9 points, 7.0 assists per game, and was named an NBA All-Star.
Teague’s career, though characterized by frequent team changes, has been consistent in terms of his contributions on the court with career averages of 12.2 points and 5.6 assists per game.
Teague Key Stats
- All-Star (Hawks)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Hawks, Pacers, Timberwolves)
Chauncey Billups
Chauncey Billups was known for his ability to perform in high-pressure situations, earning him the nickname “Mr. Big Shot”. Selected third overall by the Boston Celtics in the 1997 NBA Draft, Billups had a productive career that spanned 17 seasons.
Billups’ career truly flourished when he joined the Detroit Pistons in 2002. With the Pistons, he was a key figure in their championship run in 2004, where he was named NBA Finals MVP.
Over his career, Billups was a five-time NBA All-Star and a three-time All-NBA selection. Known for his basketball IQ, leadership, and clutch performances, he was also named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team twice.
Billups Key Stats
- All-NBA (Pistons, Nuggets)
- All-Star (Pistons, Nuggets)
- NBA Championship (Pistons)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Timberwolves, Pistons, Nuggets)
Tayshaun Prince
Tayshaun Prince was drafted 23rd overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2002 NBA Draft, Prince soon became an integral part of the Pistons’ core. He was instrumental in the team’s success during the mid-2000s, helping lead the Pistons to an NBA Championship in 2004.
Prince’s lanky frame, coupled with his basketball IQ, allowed him to effectively guard multiple positions, making him a crucial piece in Detroit’s defensive schemes.
Throughout his career, Prince was a fixture in the Pistons’ lineup and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Team on multiple occasions. After his significant tenure in Detroit, Prince went on to play for teams like the Grizzlies, Celtics, and Timberwolves.
Mike James
Mike James began his NBA career undrafted, but he managed to break into the league in 2001 with the Miami Heat. From there, he embarked on a journey that saw him play for numerous teams, including the Celtics, Pistons, Bucks, Rockets, Raptors, Timberwolves, New Orleans Hornets, Wizards, and Bulls.
Perhaps the highlight of his NBA tenure came during the 2005-2006 season with the Toronto Raptors, where he averaged a career-high in points and showcased his ability to lead a team as a primary guard. His NBA journey was marked by his adaptability, allowing him to fit into various roles, from starting point guard to a bench contributor.
In addition to his NBA career, James had spells in international basketball, playing in France, Turkey, and Italy, which further underscored his dedication and adaptability to different styles of play and cultures.
James Key Stats
- NBA Championship (Pistons)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Raptors)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Raptors)
